White patches on face is a skin condition that may be caused by depigmentation of the skin, fungal infection or minerals and vitamin deficiency in the body. Skin that is rough and peeling off your face is very ugly and can lower your self-esteem.

Chemicals in some body lotions or soaps may also cause reactions on people with sensitive skin. Severe skin sun burn may also cause white patches around eyes, forehead and cheeks as well as dried skin on the lips including areas around the mouth

Continue reading below for more on how to get rid of white patches on skin, causes, removal and treatment for both children and adults

White patches on face vitamin deficiency

As much as skin pigmentation depends on your genes, vitamin deficiency in the body can cause depigmentation on the skin and make you have white patches on your face and any other part of your body. Here is a list of vitamins that are essential for the maintenance of pigmentation;

1. Vitamin B12

The reference daily intake for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms. Deficiency of vitamin B 12 causes a type of anaemia known as pernicious anaemia. This type of anaemia is characterized by white patches on the skin. Other related symptoms include;

Fever

Fatigue

Numbness

Excessive weight loss

Lack of B12 can cause neurological problems. Vegetarians are advised to take vitamin B 12 supplements since vitamin B12 is found in animal proteins like meat and eggs.

2. Vitamin B-9

Vitamin B-9 is also known as folic acid. The Recommended dietary intake of folic acid in adults is 400 micrograms. Insufficient vitamin B-9 in the body causes a type of anaemia known as folate-deficiency anaemia which interferes with skin pigmentation hence formation of white patches on face or skin. Other related symptoms include;

Fatigue

Headache

The best source for folic acid is leafy greens, beans and fortified juices

3. Vitamin C

Lack of Vitamin C causes diseases known as scurvy that makes the skin pale, damages bones and skin. The RDI for vitamin C is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men. Fresh fruits and vegetables like lemon, oranges, broccoli and strawberries. You should ensure you include these foods that are rich in vitamin C in your diet.

White patches on face of child

Why are there white splotches on the face of my child? Deficiency of certain vitamins or too much exposure to sunlight can make your child have white patches on his or her face.

Child that have dry skin are prone to a skin condition known as pityriasis alba which makes your skin develop irregular, round or oval white patches on face when exposed to sun rays. These patches are very dry and scaly but they are not cancerous.

It affects children between the age of 3 and 16.If your child has got dry skin then you need to apply moisturizer on their skin on a regular basis in order to prevent this condition. The patches won’t keep coming back if you maintain a healthy skin.

Fungal infection like Tinea Versicolor also causes white patches on skin that become more visible when exposed to the sun. Topical antifungal

treatment can help in the removal of these patches.

White patches on face under skin

When the melanocyte cells that are destroyed or they stop functioning, the skin pigmentation will be compromise since melanin will not be produced. This depigmentation of the skin will make your skin appear like it has white patches beneath it. This is how vitiligo forms. They are under the skin.

White spots on face not pimples

Milia are a form of acne that forms on the skin. They are not pimples .They form when skin thickens and traps dead cells beneath it forming tiny hard white cysts. The skin can get thickened by excess exposure to sunlight or certain products found in cosmetics that we use on our skin.

These spots can affect anyone at any age, but mostly affect babies because their skin is still underdeveloped. These bumps should not be popped. They will go away on their own after 6 weeks or more.

Causes of white patches on face

Below are some factors that may causes white patches on the skin or face that may be peeling, falling off or itchy. In some cases, these patches may be severe and those with sensitive or delicate skin should try and avoid these causative factors.

1. Sun

The sun causes white patches on the face if the skin has been subjected to turning or some kind of fungal infection. Some skin condition usually forms patches that are only visible after exposure to sunlight.

2. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition that is occurs when melanocyte cells that are responsible for the production of melanin begin to malfunction or die. The skin loses its pigmentation and white patches form on the face or any other affected area of the body like hands, feet and even the genital area. Vitiligo it is an autoimmune condition where by your immune system is over active and attacks healthy cells.

According to Mayo clinic “The main sign of vitiligo is color (pigment) loss that produces light or white patches on your skin. Usually, the discoloration first shows on sun-exposed areas, such as the hands, feet, arms, face and lips”

3. Fungus, Yeast infection

Fungus are responsible for the cause of a skin condition known as Tinea Versicolor .This skin condition causes white patches on the face that become more visible when exposed to sunlight, hot or humid weather. Oily skin also tends to make these patches more visible to the eye.

Fungus is found in naturally on the skin but they can multiply and cause infections. They thrive in warm and damp environments. It is important to take a shower and dry your body whenever you sweat. Do not also wear tight clothes all the time. Your skin needs to breathe freely.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes increase blood sugar level and this makes the body and skin susceptiple to yeast infection and vitiligo.

5. Milia

Milia are tiny white spots that appear on the face, around the eyes, nose and chin. They form when dead cells get trapped under the skin instead of being exfoliated. They are mostly common in the skin of a new born baby who has under developed skin.

They can appear in clusters and look like white patches on face. They are very stubborn and won’t go away easily. They can last for 6 weeks or more.

6. Pregnancy

Women experience a lot of hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance can cause white patches on the skin of a pregnant woman. Most of these patches disappear after the woman gives birth.

7. Eczema

A skin condition known as Pityriasis Alba is a form of eczema that forms itchy rashes on the face that is covered by white flakes resembling white dust. These patches do not have a defined border. People who are asthmatic or have allergies are more prone to getting this skin condition.

8. Calcium deficiency

Calcium deficiency in the can also cause white patches on face. Deficiency

Related symptoms

Other symptoms that are associated with white patches on skin include;

Premature graying of eyelashes and eyebrows

Premature graying of scalp hair and beard

How to get rid of white patches on face fast-Home Remedies

Home remedies always supplement treatment and make you heal faster. They also help in getting rid of the patches and prevent secondary infections.

1. Honey

Honey is an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. It prevents the skin from drying up.

What you need

Honey

Beeswax

Olive oil

Water

A clean towel

What to do

Melt beeswax

Mix beeswax, honey and olive oil in the same ratio.

Apply the mixture on the white patches on face

Leave it for 10 minutes

Wash it off using warm water

Dry your face using a clean towel

2. Cabbage

This is a natural remedy that reduces the appearance of white patches on skin caused by vitiligo.

Requirement

Cabbage

Water

Blender

Procedure

Blend cabbage leaves into juice

Apply the cabbage juice on the white patches on face

Let it settle for 10 minutes

Wash it off using warm water

Dry your face using a clean towel

Repeat this thrice a day

3. Ginger

Ginger is rich in anti-oxidants that restore skin health. It improves blood circulation in the body and this helps in the production of melanin.

Requirements

Ginger

Sieve

Water

Pestle and mortar

Procedure

Wash the bark of ginger

Peel it off carefully

Cut the ginger into cubes

Place it in a mortar and pound it to paste

Ensure your hands are clean and dry

Use the tip of your finger to apply the ginger paste on the affected area

Let it stay on your skin for 15 minutes

You may also boil the ginger paste using a cup full of water

Strain the ginger

Add some lemon juice and honey to it and drink on a regular basis

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is capable of getting rid of white patches on face caused by sunburn or vitiligo.

Requirements

Apple cider vinegar

A Cotton Ball

A clean piece of cloth

What to do

Ensure the affected area is clean

Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with 1o parts of water

Soak a cotton ball with the mixture

Apply the mixture on the affected area using the cotton ball

Let it settle for 10 minutes

Wash it off with cold water

Pat the affected area dry with a clean piece of cloth

Repeat this process once a day

5. Neem

Neem will help your skin get back its natural pigmentation. It is ideal for removal of these white patches on the skin.

Requirements

Neem leaves

A Pestle & a mortar

A knife

Honey

A clean piece of cloth

What to do

Wash the neem leaves to get rid of any dirt on them

Cut them into big chunks with a knife

Place them in the mortar

Pound with a pestle to form a paste

Add honey to the paste and mix well

Ensure that the affected area is clean

Gently smear the paste all over your face

Let it settle for 15 minutes

Rinse it off with warm water

Pat dry the affected area using a clean piece of cloth

6. Almond Oil

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E that is an essential vitamin for healthy skin. It is also a natural antioxidant.

What you need

Almond oil

Water

A clean piece of cloth

Procedure

Warm the almond oil

Apply almond oil on your ace

Massage your face gently so that the oil gets absorbed

Let it stay on your skin for 30 minutes

Rinse it off using warm water

Dry your face using a clean piece of cloth

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural herb that has got antibacterial and antifungal properties. It soothes the skin and protects it against impurities.

Requirements

Aloe Vera leaves

A Sharp knife

A mixer/ blender

A container for collecting the gel

Soap

Water

A clean piece of cloth

Steps to follow

Take two pieces of aloe Vera leaves and cut them on both ends. Use a knife to take out the upper green layer from the leaf in order to expose the thick aloe Vera gel in the leaves.

In case you find any yellow liquid on the leaf, rinse it out with clean water.

Peel off the green back of the leaf.

The clear thick gel that is left is the aloe Vera gel.

Cut the gel into small pieces and blend the gel into a liquid form.

Apply the aloe Vera gel directly on the small white spots on skin

Repeat this process 3 times a day until you heal.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil soothes and moisturizes your skin. It is natural antioxidants and contains fatty acids that are essential for dry skin.

Requirement

Olive oil

Water

A clean towel

What to do

Warm the olive oil

Apply olive oil on your ace

Massage your face gently so that the olive oil gets absorbed

Let it stay on your skin for 30 minutes

Rinse it off using warm water

Dry your face using a clean towel

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal agent .It works well when mixed with mustard oil because it moisturizes your skin.

Requirements

Turmeric powder

Mustard oil

sieve

Directions

Mix 500 grams of turmeric powder and 8 liters of water overnight

Heat the mixture in the morning until the water evaporates leaving about a liter only.

Sieve the mixture and add mustard oil to it

Heat it again so that all the water evaporates and you remain with a pure mixture of turmeric and mustard oil only

Apply this mixture twice a day on the white patches on face.

Repeat this twice a day for 6 weeks

10. Figs

Fig is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that will boost your immune system and purify your blood.

Requirement

Figs

Boiled water

What to do

Dry the figs in the sun

Boil a glass of water

Add a tablespoon of fig this water

Let the figs steep for a few minutes

Add honey to the mixture and stir

Drink the fig water 2 times a day until you recover

11. Radish seeds

Radish seeds restore natural skin pigmentation.

What you need

Radish seeds

Pestle and mortar

Vinegar

Procedure

Use pestle and mortar to crush radish seeds.

Add vinegar to the radish seeds

Mix them together to form a paste

Apply this paste on your face

Let it mask your face overnight

Wash it off in the morning using warm water

Mix these ingredients to make a fairly thick paste.

Repeat this process every night until you notice a change.

12. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It also moisturizes the skin and improves blood circulation. It is an ideal remedy for eczema and psoriasis.

Requirements

Virgin Coconut oil

A Cotton Ball

A clean piece of cloth

How to apply it

Wash your face and dry it using clean piece of cloth

Pour coconut oil on the palm of your hands

Apply coconut oil on your face

Massage the oil into your skin

Let it stay overnight

Repeat this process every night until you recover.

13. Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil improves skin pigmentation. It can be very harsh on the skin so dilute tea tree oil using other essential oils like olive oil.

What you need

Tea tree oil

Olive Oil

A Cotton Ball

Clean water

A clean piece of cloth

What to do

Take a shower before you go to bed

Dry your body with a clean towel.

Pour a little amount of tea tree oil in a cup and mix it with olive oil.

Gently apply the oil mixture on the affected areas using the palm of your hands

Let the oil mixture settle overnight

Wash it off when you wake up

Repeat this every night before you go to bed.

14. Basil Leaves

Basil leaves are an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal agent that fights all types of fungal and bacterial infections.

Requirements

Basil leaves

A Pestle & a mortar

A knife

Lemon

Cotton ball

A clean piece of cloth

What to do

Wash the basil leaves to get rid of any soil on them

Cut them into big chunks with a knife

Place them in the mortar

Pound with a pestle to form a paste

Add lemon juice to the paste

Use a cotton ball to apply the paste on your face

Let it settle for 10 minutes uninterrupted

You may also chew these leaves

15. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which will make your skin healthy and get rid of the white patches.

Requirement

Green tea bag

Hot water

Cotton ball

Procedure

Add a green tea bag into a cup of hot water

Let it steep for 5 minutes and cool down to room temperature

Soak a cotton ball with the green tea

Apply the green tea on your face using the soaked cotton ball.

Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then rinse it off with water.

Dry your face using a clean towel

You should also drink green tea everyday

16. Beetroot

Beetroots are also rich in pigments that can help to restore the skin’s natural pigment. They also improve blood circulation in the body. If you want to have a healthy skin even after you heal then you need to frequently take beetroots.

What you need

Beetroots

Ginger

Blender

What to do

Blend the 3 beetroot and a piece of ginger and strain the mixture.

Put the juice in the freezer in order for it to cool a bit

Drink this fresh juice on a daily basis

White patches on face treatment

Since white patches on face are symptoms of a certain skin condition, they can only be treated by treating the underlying health issue. Home remedies compliment the treatment method. The following are some of the solutions that your doctor will recommend after a proper diagnosis;

Anti-fungal creams like clotrimazole and miconazole are used to treat Tinea Versicolor

Vitiligo can be treated using laser therapy, skin grafting or depigmentation treatments. Topical medicinal creams like corticosteroid and Oxsoralen can be used to treat